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referring to Leo Santa Cruz and Mikey Garcia, Southland-raised fighters who’d just mutually overcome career adversity by regaining world titles Saturday night at MGM Grand, were bringing their belts back to Los Angeles, intent to lead a new era in boxing. “I’m available to fight anybody,” said Garcia, 29, expressing willingness to trek to England to meet either World Boxing Organization champion Terry Flanagan or Anthony Crolla, should he beat World Boxing Assn. Executing effective boxing set up by a reliance on the jab to capitalize on his seven-inch reach advantage, Santa Cruz threw 884 punches and landed 81 jabs to Frampton’s 28. And Frampton, itching to return home, could fight International Boxing Federation featherweight champion Lee Selby of England. Garcia (36-0, 30 knockouts) — who had a return warmup bout in July after officially proclaiming himself back from a 30-month layoff tied to a contract dispute — knocked out unbeaten World Boxing Council lightweight champion Dejan Zlaticanin in the third round.

as informed in This might be the biggest takeaway from spending four days observing the uncommon friendship that has grown out of the Leo Santa Cruz-Carl Frampton rivalry. (Photo of Carl Frampton, left, and Leo Santa Cruz, about to embrace after their WBA featherweight title fight Saturday by Esther Lin, Showtime) During their final press conference on Thursday, Frampton and Santa Cruz both brought up family. This time it was Santa Cruz who prevailed and won back the WBA featherweight title he lost to Frampton last July. Frampton and Santa Cruz are good people.

as informed in Frampton acknowledged Santa Cruz deserved the decision and referred to him as “the better man tonight.” “It was very tough (to change my style),” Santa Cruz said. Santa Cruz was dramatically different from the first round on Saturday, instead relying on a busy and accurate jab that landed and offset Frampton’s offense. As for a third match, Santa Cruz said, “Of course, I would be happy to give him the third fight.” Indeed, Frampton won the initial fight in July by controlling the distance and picking Santa Cruz apart as he lunged to land big shots.